Message #55426

[reddrogue]

It seems to me that you have already fully identified the problem, as well as some methods of dealing with it.  The HR Manager is DEFINITELY the person who employees are supposed to be able to come to when they are having issues and problems on the job, even if it is with the CEO.  She is 100% wrong to come into your office and 3rd degree you immediately after a meeting with another employee.  She knows what kind of impression she is making.  It seems to me that she is doing these things on purpose, because I doubt that she became CEO by being a complete idiot.  She knows exactly what she is doing.  Is it possible for you to lock your office door after a meeting for a while and not answer your phone if you know she is calling?  If she asks, explain to her that you are wrapping up your notes or whatever and you prefer not to be disturbed immediately after a meeting.

You should also document everything, and lock the files if you need to.  Issue a memo regarding the mission of the Human Resources office to everyone and state explicitly that all information will be kept confidential.  Do you have a copy of any kind of Human Resources policy (i.e. in an employee handbook) that explains how to deal with this type of thing?  Include that in your memo.  

Next, is there anyone that you and/or employees can contact outside of your office (i.e. Corporate Headquarters), to go around this CEO?

I'm sorry to say it, but it looks like you will eventually get fired yourself sooner or later.  This CEO seems as if she is doing everything she can to make things difficult for everyone so she can get rid of everyone and start over from scratch with a hand-picked staff of cow-tow-ers and rear end kissers.  Sorry.  Makes for a very negative work environment, I know.

Rr